Arch sales tax plan likely dead in St. Charles County

ST. CHARLES, Mo. (AP) - It looks like a sales tax increase to improve the grounds of the Gateway Arch is doomed in St. Charles County.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch (http://bit.ly/WDytyZ ) reports that a majority of St. Charles County Council members said Wednesday they will not likely put the issue on the April 2 ballot. St. Louis city and county are expected to put the issue to voters in that same election.

Republican St. Charles County Councilman John White says a major concern is the estimated cost of the election, up to $175,000.

Regional supporters of the plan are disappointed but say they'll move forward, though without St. Charles County, 20 percent less money would be generated.

The money is aimed at improving not only the Arch grounds but other parks in the region.

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Information from: St. Louis Post-Dispatch, http://www.stltoday.com